Team news and fan information ahead of the visit of Mick McCarthy's men

Dougie Freedman will be hoping to secure Wanderers’ first back-to-back victories of the season on Saturday afternoon, but the Scot faces a stern test as they welcome Ipswich Town to the Reebok.

Freedman extended his unbeaten start to life with the Trotters to six games on Wednesday, as goals from Kevin Davies and Chung-Yong Lee sealed a 2-1 midweek win over Henning Berg’s Blackburn Rovers.

The Whites now look ahead to this weekend’s fixture with Ipswich, who themselves have enjoyed a change of fortunes under new manager Mick McCarthy.

The former Wolves and Republic of Ireland boss took over the reins at Portman Road at the beginning of November after Paul Jewell was sacked a week previous - leaving the Blues rooted to the bottom of the Championship.

However, the Tractor Boys have since enjoyed an improved run of form under the new regime claiming ten points in McCarthy’s opening six games, including wins over Birmingham City, Burnley and Nottingham Forest.

Before the arrival of the new manager, the club experienced a busy summer transfer window as Luke Chambers, Scott Loach and Paul Taylor all put pen to paper. The Blues would go on to make a plethora of loan signings, securing the services of Premier League trio Danny Higginbotham, Stephen Henderson and DJ Campbell, while Daryl Murphy joined from Celtic.

But despite the high number of singings, Ipswich have struggled to find goals all season, scoring just 17 and only five away from home, as they currently sit bottom in the league’s goalscoring charts.

Ipswich, who have now climbed out of the bottom three, could potentially move five points clear of the relegation zone with victory on Saturday, while the Whites have a chance to move into the top half depending on other results.

One to Watch - DJ Campbell

DJ Campbell as enjoyed a rich vein of form since joining the Tractor Boys on a three-month loan deal from Queens Park Rangers at the beginning of October.

The former Blackpool and Birmingham City striker is currently the club’s top scorer netting five goals in 10 appearances for the Blues.

The 31-year-old, who has had previous spells at Leicester City and Derby County, has also provided two assists for his team-mates during his short time with the club.

Team News

The one fresh injury concern for Freedman is that of Martin Petrov. The Bulgarian is expected to be touch and go right up to kick-off with a slight hamstring complain.

Stuart Holden, David Wheater and Josh Vela (all knee) remain sidelined, though Mark Davies is eligible for selection after serving a one-match ban for five yellow cards against Blackburn.

Luke Hyam is a doubt for the Tractor Boys after the 21-year-old suffered a hamstring injury after scoring in the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, while former Wanderers midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has been ruled out with a hamstring problem.

All-Time Record

Bolton Wins

Draws

Ipswich Wins

League

10

7

13

FA Cup

1

0

0

League Cup

2

0

0

Total

13

7

13

Man In The Middle - Michael Naylor

South Yorkshire-based referee Michael Naylor will take charge of Saturday’s game. He has so far shown 33 yellow cards and two red cards in 15 games this season.

Fan Information

Supporters should be aware that the club’s FanZone facility will not be in operation prior to the game.

Pre-match build-up and full commentary will be available on Wanderers Players from 2.30pm. For more information, click here.